In a testament to the continuing recovery and growth of the global travel industry, the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) reported that U.S. travel agency air ticket sales reached $8.1 billion in October 2024. This marks a 12% year-over-year increase, reflecting growing consumer confidence and a strong dollar driving international travel demand.

Passenger trips during the month totaled 23.7 million, representing a 9% rise compared to October 2023. The average ticket price held steady at $557, underscoring market stability.

Key Metrics: October 2024

ARC shared the following data on October 2024 performance:

• Total Sales: $8.1 billion (+1% month-over-month, +12% year-over-year)
• Passenger Trips: 23.7 million (unchanged month-over-month, +9% year-over-year)
  • U.S. Domestic Trips: 15.5 million (+1% month-over-month, +9% year-over-year)
  • International Trips: 8.2 million (-2% month-over-month, +10% year-over-year)
• Average Ticket Price: $557 (+2% month-over-month, unchanged year-over-year)

International Travel Fuels Growth

Steve Solomon, ARC’s Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted the significance of international travel in driving October’s impressive results. “The strong dollar and growing demand for international travel have been key contributors to the 12% rise in air ticket sales. This positive trend bodes well for the holiday travel season and the broader industry as we approach the year’s end,” Solomon said.

International passenger trips accounted for a significant portion of the growth, increasing by 10% compared to the same period last year. This underscores the U.S. market’s continued demand for global connectivity, with travelers taking advantage of favorable exchange rates and expanded international flight options.

New Distribution Capability (NDC) Transactions

ARC also noted a significant increase in New Distribution Capability (NDC) transactions, which reached 19.1% of total transactions in October, a 14.4% year-over-year rise. This growth reflects the adoption of modern distribution solutions by travel agencies and airlines to enhance retailing capabilities.

A total of 822 travel agencies reported NDC transactions during the month, further solidifying the industry’s shift toward innovative distribution models. These models provide passengers with more personalized booking options, streamlining the ticketing process and improving the overall travel experience.

ARC’s Role in the Travel Ecosystem

ARC serves as a vital backbone for the travel industry, providing data intelligence, financial settlement services, and industry-leading insights. With a ticketing dataset encompassing over 12 billion annual passenger flights from more than 480 airlines across 235 countries, ARC’s platform supports informed decision-making and operational efficiency for airlines, travel agencies, and corporate buyers.

ARC’s services facilitate over $95 billion in U.S.-based agency air ticket sales annually, making it a cornerstone of the global travel ecosystem. Its commitment to fostering collaboration between stakeholders ensures the continued growth and resilience of the industry.

October 2024 in Context

The October 2024 results were derived from sales data reported by 10,380 U.S. retail and corporate travel agency locations, satellite ticket printing offices, and online travel agencies. Notably, these figures exclude tickets purchased directly from airlines, providing a comprehensive view of agency-driven air travel.

Passenger trips include both domestic and international travel, with net results calculated by adding newly issued trips and subtracting refunded trips. Domestic passenger trips cover itineraries wholly within the U.S., while international trips include travel to or from destinations outside the U.S.

Looking Ahead: A Strong Fourth Quarter

With robust ticket sales and growing international travel demand, ARC anticipates a strong close to 2024. The steady average ticket price of $557 and the rise in NDC transactions point to a stable and innovative travel market that is well-positioned for future growth.